By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County recently held its first-ever Volunteer Fair, an in-person event that brought together 22 local agencies and over 60 community members. Spearheaded by Vickie Newell, the executive director of Chatham Literacy, the fair offered volunteers a unique one-stop-shop to connect with organizations in need of support. Attendees had the opportunity to explore various causes, win prizes through trivia, and engage in meaningful conversations with representatives. The fair’s success has already paved the way for future annual events, marking a new era of community-driven volunteering in Chatham County.
A New Era of Volunteering in Chatham County
On September 11, at 79 Degrees West, a coworking space in Chatham County, the inaugural Volunteer Fair took place, attracting residents eager to give back to their community. The fair offered an opportunity for residents to connect with local organizations and find volunteer roles that suited their skills, passions, and schedules. Among the agencies present were CORA, Chatham County Aging Services, Chatham Literacy, Second Bloom of Chatham, and the Partnership for Children, each representing a distinct aspect of community work in the county.
“We came together as a group of five agencies to plan this event for the betterment of the community,” Newell explained. “It was all about bringing people face-to-face with the organizations that make Chatham County such a special place.”
The event was planned with both participants and agencies in mind, offering agencies a chance to recruit volunteers while community members were provided a clear path to involvement. “It’s a one-stop shop,” Newell said, referring to the fair’s format. “Potential volunteers could visit tables, learn about different organizations, and find the perfect match.”
Overwhelming Community Response
In just one afternoon, 67 volunteers showed up, eager to meet the 22 agencies and explore how they could make a difference. The crowd was diverse, reflecting the broad range of causes and needs in Chatham County.
Newell was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, remarking, “It was packed at one point. People were lining up at tables, chatting with organizations, and really showing an interest in what they could do to help.”
One of the highlights of the event was the trivia contest, which drew laughter and light-hearted competition. Participants answered questions related to the agencies present, with winners receiving gift cards from local businesses—an initiative that flipped the usual nonprofit dynamic. “We asked each vendor to contribute $25 for gift cards as a way to give back to the community,” Newell shared. “Nonprofits are always asking for donations, so this was our chance to support local businesses instead.”
Highlighted Agencies: Making a Difference
Among the 22 agencies present were some of the most impactful organizations in Chatham County. Each one offers a unique avenue for volunteerism, focusing on different areas of community development. Here’s a closer look at a few standout participants:
1. Chatham Literacy: Chatham Literacy is committed to providing educational opportunities for adults in the county, including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, adult basic education, and financial literacy programs. Newell emphasized how literacy is a gateway to success for many residents, saying, “We help adults achieve their goals, whether that’s gaining citizenship, improving job prospects, or managing their finances.”
2. Chatham Partnership for Children: This organization focuses on early childhood development, offering services that support the well-being and education of children from birth to age five. Volunteers can help with programs that assist families, provide resources for teachers, and organize educational events.
3. Aging Services: Aging Services in Chatham County helps ensure that older adults have the resources they need to age with dignity. The organization offers meal programs, transportation services, and activities to keep seniors engaged and connected with their community. Volunteers play a crucial role in delivering meals, providing companionship, and assisting with events.
The Power of In-Person Connections
In an era dominated by online interactions, the Chatham Volunteer Fair highlighted the importance of face-to-face engagement. While many organizations have volunteer opportunities listed on their websites, the fair allowed people to experience a more personal connection with the causes they were interested in.
Newell explained the unique advantage of meeting in person: “The benefit is having so many agencies in one place. When you go online, you might miss out on an opportunity or overlook an organization that could be a perfect fit. Here, people could talk to the agency reps, learn about their missions, and make informed decisions.”
She also noted how agencies were actively referring potential volunteers to each other. “We had people coming to us and saying they wanted to work with children, so we’d point them to the Partnership for Children. It was like popcorn—volunteers bouncing from one agency to another, finding their best fit.”
The Journey to the First Fair
The idea for a volunteer fair had been brewing in Newell’s mind for over a decade. “About 14 years ago, when I first became the executive director of Chatham Literacy, I dreamed of an in-person volunteer fair,” Newell recounted. She likened it to a college fair, where students explore different universities and decide which one best aligns with their goals.
But it wasn’t until 2024 that everything finally fell into place. “For some reason, the stars aligned this year,” she said. “The other executive directors thought it was a great idea, and we just ran with it. It took 14 years to get here, but it was worth the wait.”
Newell and her team are already planning to make the fair an annual event. “We’ve had such a great response that we’re definitely doing it again next year,” she confirmed.
Success Stories: Chatham Literacy’s Impact
Chatham Literacy’s work in the community has led to many success stories, and the fair served as a platform to share some of them. Newell beamed as she recalled one of her favorite stories involving two sisters from Venezuela.
“They came to the U.S. about three years ago and could barely speak English,” Newell began. “They started working in fast food but quickly realized they needed to improve their language skills to advance in their careers.”
Through Chatham Literacy’s ESL program, the sisters gained enough English proficiency to land jobs at a cellphone company. Over time, they continued to develop their skills, eventually becoming area managers. “But they didn’t stop there,” Newell added. “They told us they wanted to become bankers, so we helped them prepare for job interviews and further improve their English. Today, both sisters work as bankers in Sanford.”
Newell couldn’t hide her pride as she recounted the story. “It’s stories like these that remind us why our work is so important. We’re not just teaching people how to read or write; we’re helping them build better lives.”
The Future of Volunteering in Chatham County
With the first volunteer fair deemed a success, both the agencies and community members are looking forward to the future. The event has sparked conversations about expanding volunteer opportunities and ensuring that residents continue to engage with local organizations.
Newell believes that the fair is just the beginning. “We hope this becomes a cornerstone event in Chatham County. There’s so much potential for growth, both in terms of the number of agencies involved and the volunteers who come out to support them.”
She also stressed the importance of keeping volunteerism alive in the community. “Volunteers are the backbone of so many nonprofits. Without them, it would be impossible to deliver the services that so many people rely on.”
A Community United by Service
By bringing together agencies and volunteers in a single space, the fair created new opportunities for collaboration and support, laying the groundwork for future events.
As Chatham County continues to grow, so too will the need for dedicated volunteers. The fair has shown that there is no shortage of people willing to step up and make a difference.
“We’re all in this together,” Newell said. “When we support each other, we create a stronger, more vibrant community. This fair is just the start of something great.”
For those who missed the event but are still interested in volunteering, Newell encourages them to reach out to Chatham Literacy for a full list of the agencies involved. “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do,” she said. “There’s something for everyone, and there’s no better time to get involved than now.”